1. TV On The Radio Dear Science
The music grabs you on the opening track and doesn’t let up, as the songs flow nicely into each other. Each one has a distinct sound, that while listening to the album you tend to ask yourself, “Is this the same band?” Diversity at it’s finest.
2. The Black Keys Attack & Release
On their sixth release, the duo gets some help from Danger Mouse who spices things up but leaves their original sound intact. The loops and beats only add to their style of the blues that they’re playing.
3. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Dig, Lazurus, Dig!!!
Back and better than ever, this album sounds like classic Nick Cave. It combines all the elements that you’d come to expect: Religious overtones, dramatic arrangements, and a wide range of melodies that only they can deliver.
4. David Byrne & Brian Eno Everything That Happens Will Happen Today
Reunited and it feels so good. This album combines the musical genius of two true artists with surprisingly mainstream effects, that still seem a little offbeat.
5. Goldfrapp Seventh Tree
While much more mellow than previous efforts, this British duo has gotten in touch with their softer side and the results are gorgeous.
6. Vampire Weekend Vampire Weekend
The little band that could. Amidst all the hype these Brooklyn boys delivered. Fun, catchy, and hard to resist.
7. Gary Louris Vagabonds
The ex-Jayhawk goes solo for the first time in his career. He doesn’t stray far from the formula that made that band so great: His melodic voice singing over roots-rock music is just another step in the right direction.
8. P!nk Funhouse
I always love a great break-up song and this one is chock full of them. Pink covers a lot of territory on this album delving into pop, rock, blues, and ballads. The common denominator that brings them all together is her raspy voice perfectly suited to deliver the biting lyrics.
9. Beck Modern Guilt
An excellent collaboration with Danger Mouse who co-produced the album with Beck. This album clocks in at just over 33 minutes, but while it’s short, it’s also sweet.
10. Ray Lamontagne Gossip In The Grain
On his third release, Ray is trying his best to be a little more upbeat. While this is a welcome change, the songs that stand out the most as still the quieter ones.
11. Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes
Taking cues from Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Shins, and My Morning Jacket, these guys seem to borrow from all the right sources. The album is filled with haunting three-part harmonies with dramatic effect.
12. Kings Of Leon Only By The Night
These guys seem to be taking lessons from Radiohead...exploring their experimental side but still managing to rock.
13. Aimee Mann @#%&*! Smilers
While I wasn’t crazy about her last release, this one includes some great songs which evoke the songs from the Magnolia soundtrack. A nice return to form.
14. MGMT Oracular Spectacular
This Brooklyn duo captured a lot on their first release: Some funk-filled psychedelic experimentation.
15. Sigur Rós Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
The Icelandic lads further their signature sound by mixing things up a bit by adding horns and singing one of the songs in English.
16. Al Green Lay It Down & The Raconteurs Consolers Of The Lonely (Tie)
From the start of this record, it sounds like you’re listening to classic Al Green circa 1971. A fine album that brings you back to a much simpler time. Jack White & the boys offer some good old rock and roll, but with enough of a twist to make it sound fresh.
17. Okkervil River The Stand Ins
This was a year full of indie boy bands. While I sometimes had trouble keeping them all straight, these guys stood out by simply delivering a solid album...that and Will Sheff’s distinct vocals.
18. Pale Young Gentlemen Black Forest (Tra la La)
This band from Madison, WI sounds like they could be from another place and time. Combining instruments like the glockenspiel, flute, French horn, and harp with more traditional instruments like guitar, bass, drums, cello, and violin, they make a unique sound all their own.
19. Madonna Hard Candy
While not her best, the Queen of Pop offers up a solid set of songs that will get your booty shaking on the dance floor.
20. Nada Surf Lucky & Wolf Parade At Mount Zoomer (Tie)
Nada Surf is a band that I’ve heard of for years but never managed to really listen to. This album changed all that. The combination of rock with a pop flair made for some catchy tunes. Wolf Parade, on the other hand, is a little more difficult to pinpoint. They may sound like several different bands from track to track, yet still, maintain a cohesive sound.
Overlooked Albums Of 2007
The Apples In Stereo New Magnetic Wonder
Liam Finn I’ll Be Lightning
Top 10 Live Shows Of 2008 (in no particular order)
Crowded House – Filmore East (4-29-08)
The Raconteurs – Bonnaroo (6-13-08)
Pearl Jam – Bonnaroo (6-15-08)
Robert Plant & Allison Krause – Bonnaroo (6-15-08)
The Cure – Radio City Music Hall (6-21-08)
Bruce Springsteen – Giants Stadium (7-27-08)
Echo & The Bunnymen – Radio City Music Hall (10-1-08)
Madonna – Madison Square Garden (10-7-08)
Tina Turner – Madison Square Garden (12-1-08)
Liza Minnelli – The Palace Theatre (12-16-08)